Here Are the Results of the 2024 Bunker Trader Salary Survey

Like many industries, salary is a key factor that can make some in the bunker industry feel good about their current position, and for others it is the driver to look for a new role.

Ship & Bunker has teamed up with recruitment specialists Imperium Commodity Search to help paint a picture of the current global salary landscape for bunker traders.

The following data has been compiled from a combination of a salary survey, which was responded to by 370 individuals, plus data from actual industry placings made by Imperium. All salary data has been converted into USD at prevailing conversion rates.

Average Salary by Experience Level

The following shows the global average salary range for various experience levels compared by experience in front office roles.

As might be expected, the least experienced personnel attracted the lowest average salaries and those rise according to the level of experience.

How Have Average Global Salaries Changed?

With inflation a major talking point across many global regions, it is no surprise salaries have increased over the last 2 years. The following shows how the base average salary has changed.   

How Have Average Regional Salaries Changed?

Looking at how average salaries have changed on a regional level shows some interesting trends:   

The most important thing to keep in mind here is that these are average salaries, and this data echos the recent growth witnessed in the Middle East region.

As Mark Taylor, Managing Partner, Imperium Commodity Search, explains: For the ME region, it is not as simple as salaries having gone down. Indeed, a trader in Dubai earning 100,000US 2 years ago is likely earning 110-120k today. This is more to do with the shift in average seniority of traders in the middle east moving more towards the junior end due to large growth projects in the region.

What Do Survey Participants Think of Their Employer?

There is perhaps a sense that the profile of those participating in salary surveys such as these might be weighted towards those who are less happy in their current role. It is perhaps a good sign, then, that a mere 7% of participants said they would not recommend their current employer, and over half (58%) said they would actively recommend them.